The Israeli military authority responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs has announced that the Rafah border crossing will open in the coming days, permitting residents of the Gaza Strip to cross into Egypt.
Details of the Opening Arrangement
The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, known as COGAT, stated that the opening has received Israeli security clearance. The process will be coordinated with Egypt and supervised by a European Union mission, mirroring a mechanism that was in place in January 2025.
In a formal statement, COGAT confirmed: "In accordance with the ceasefire agreement and a directive of the political echelon, the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt."
Uncertainty Over Eligibility and Timing
The statement did not specify if there would be restrictions on which individuals are permitted to leave. However, it confirmed that all those crossing would require Israeli security approval.
COGAT also refrained from giving an exact time or date for the opening, stating only that it would happen "in the coming days". The Rafah crossing is Gaza's sole passage to the outside world not under direct Israeli control. It is managed by Egypt under a longstanding agreement involving Israel and the European Union.
A Historically Unreliable Gateway
The crossing has a history of prolonged and unpredictable closures. Even during periods when transit is permitted, it can shut suddenly with little to no advance warning, severely disrupting travel and aid flows.
This impending opening represents a significant development under the current ceasefire agreement, offering a potential route out of the territory for civilians. The involvement of the EU mission is intended to provide a layer of international oversight to the process.
